Angel, One Year Later
The anniversary of your death approaches.
I usually don’t mark such dates
on my mental calendar.
If I did, there would hardly be a good day
left in the year
with summer being the harshest season.
I still miss you.
We still miss you.
We still talk about you
with affection and wonder,
the miraculous, sweet dog
who was ours for only eight months.
We speak so well of you
it feels like betrayal to the new dog.
We love the new dog as fiercely as we loved you.
But each one is different
and we love you all in different ways.
The new dog is not you.
And you were not the dog
that preceded you.
But you’re our angel
and always will be
Forever loved,
forever remembered.
I didn’t think I would ever love another dog as much as I loved you.
Yet I let the new puppy into my heart
quickly and easily.
You dogs are sneaky that way.
How you both captured our heart
on the first day we met you.
I hope that you are happy
and well taken care of
and spoiled rotten
with everything you want
and deserve.
I hope you eat and nap and play all day
in your heaven.
With the good toys
and the best treats
and plenty of love.
We still miss you.
We still love you.
I will live through the anniversary of your passing
without knowing it,
I carry you in my heart.
I mourn you throughout the year.
You taught us we could love another dog.
You showed us how many good dogs there are to love.
We hope to see you again some day
after we both cross over.
It’s a thought that brings us comfort.
We love you, precious girl.
